I’m qualified to talk about this subject to some degree; I take care of a ton of camera equipment, and I was a physician in my past life. And I’ve had so many requests for information about this that it seems logical to put something out, so everyone has access to it.

That being said, at this moment in time, there are NO right answers. This is my best knowledge and best opinion. Other people have other thoughts. Two weeks from now, new information may make some of this incorrect or show there are better ways to do things. If I say something today and the CDC says something else next Thursday, go with the CDC.

MELVILLE, NY, March 19, 2020 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that Canon Medical Systems Corporation (Canon Medical) announced the start of development of a rapid genetic testing system for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), reaffirming Canon Medical’s commitment to the basic research and development of rapid diagnostic test kits. This project is part of a research program focusing on the development of diagnostic methods for COVID-19 led by the Japan Agency for Medical Research1.

Skylum Software has released version 4.2 of the extremely popular Luminar photo editing software. Version 4.2 sees a bunch of enhancements and bug fixes.

NEW AI Augmented Sky

Inside the Creative tab of Luminar 4.2, you’ll find a new tool called AI Augmented Sky. This tool lets artists choose objects from the curated Luminar collection or upload their own, and blend them seamlessly with the photograph’s sky.

Here’s how it works. AI Augmented Sky detects your photo’s sky automatically and then places the chosen element directly into the sky area. Using content-aware technologies, foreground objects are recognized and taken into account, making the object blend naturally with your existing scene. You can drag the new element around the sky for ultimate control, yet retain those realistic qualities. Check out this walkthrough to get started with AI Augmented Sky:

The tool lets you make realistic images — perfect for adding a moon to your scene, as shown above. Or you can take it to the next level, creating a photographic composite that looks like something out of a fairy tale.

After intensive consultation, Koelnmesse GmbH has decided to cancel photokina 2020, originally planned to be held 27 to 30 May 2020. The next instalment of the leading international trade fair for photography, video and imaging will be presented from 18 to 21 May 2022. The Imaging Innovation Conference will not be celebrating its première in 2020 as originally planned; a new date will be coordinated.

In general, the management team of Koelnmesse has decided not to organize any own events on the part of Koelnmesse until the end of June 2020. This decision is supported by the crisis management team of the City of Cologne, which also recommended in its meeting on 18.03.2020 to cancel the trade fairs during this period.

Last week, a report came out about Canon’s high-megapixel EOS R system camera, saying that the new camera would come with a 150mp image sensor. While impressive, I had doubts that such a sensor would appear in the near future in a consumer product.

I have now been told that the high-megapixel EOS R camera system camera is in the early stages of testing with a very select group of photographers.

The megapixel count is “significantly lower than 150mp” the source claims, but that it “just about doubles” the 45mp sensor in the upcoming Canon EOS R5.

The video specifications I was told are not all that impressive, as that is definitely not the target market for such a camera. If you’re into video, the Canon EOS R5 is going to have you covered for the foreseeable future, but that the high-megapixel camera will be squarely aimed at still photographers.

This camera should be ready to ship in early 2021, but with the current events, any such claims are probably at risk of evolving.

NAB 2020 was supposed to take place next month but was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic yesterday. I have been told this won’t stop Canon from announcing new products that were scheduled to be showcased at the show.

I believe the Canon Cinema EOS C300 Mark III will be announced, though I haven’t confirmed the name of the cinema camera. The specifications for the new camera are vague, but we do believe it’ll have the same form factor as the Cinema EOS C500 Mark II and will be equipped with a Super35 sized image sensor. I have also been told that the camera will shoot 4K @ 120fps internally.